Skills Update
Last week’s Budget introduced a number of changes to apprenticeship funding. From the next academic year, the 10% top‐up that Apprenticeship Levy payers receive will be withdrawn and funds will only be available for 12 months once paid into a Levy account, rather than the 24 months that employers currently have to use up their funds.
In addition, once an employer’s Levy funds have been spent, the Government’s contribution to further training costs will drop from 95% to 75%, increasing the cost to employers from 5% to 25%. Non‐Levy payers will no longer have to contribute 5% to the cost of apprenticeships for learners aged 22 ‐ 24.
Congratulations to Marion Marsland, Chief Executive of Build UK member TICA, who has been appointed the new Chair of the CSCS Alliance, which brings together the 37 card schemes that carry the CSCS logo. With experience overseeing the TICA Skill Card, which is part of the CSCS Alliance, Marion will serve a two-year term as Chair, with the option of a further two‐year extension.
The Plant Sector Representative Organisation is hosting a webinar on Wednesday 14 January from 2:00pm to 3:00pm to provide an update on the competence frameworks that have been developed for the main construction plant occupations. Members interested in finding out more can register for the webinar.
Assessment Bodies
The seven Recognised Assessment Bodies for the Common Assessment Standard – Achilles, Compliance Chain, Constructionline, CQMS, SCCS, Smas Worksafe, and Veriforce CHAS – are reviewed every year to ensure their competency. They have all successfully completed this process for another 12 months, meaning suppliers can continue to obtain the Common Assessment Standard from any one of them.
Members to Hear From NHP
Build UK will be hosting a meeting in partnership with the New Hospital Programme (NHP) in the New Year, where the NHP team will set out ambitions for the year ahead, as work on the £37 billion programme, which represents the greatest single investment in NHS infrastructure in recent decades, gathers pace in line with the Plan for Implementation.
The NHP, a Build UK member, will deliver brand new, state‐of‐the‐art facilities to ensure world‐class provision of healthcare for NHS patients and hospital staff across England. With a bold vision to transform the way hospital infrastructure is delivered, the NHP will provide an overview of the Hospital 2.0 system and set out how companies of all sizes can get involved. The meeting, which will take place via Zoom on Thursday 29 January from 9:00am ‐ 10:30am, is a great opportunity to hear directly from the NHP about upcoming opportunities, and members can register now to confirm their attendance.
Membership Renewals – Important Update
As we begin this year’s renewal cycle, we kindly ask all members to ensure their records are fully up to date.
To complete your 2025 renewal, please provide:
- Current insurance documents – Employer Liability, Public Liability and (where applicable) All-Risk cover.
- One positive reference – any format is fine. This could be:
- A screenshot of an email or message from a satisfied client
- A web or social media review
- A brief note from a supplier or contractor you regularly work with
These documents help us maintain the high standards set out in the AFI Code of Practice and ensure all members continue to be recognised as trusted, accredited professionals.
A Quick Reminder of Your AFI Membership Benefits
Renewing your membership also means continued access to an expanding range of benefits, including:
As a member of AFI, you enjoy a strong package of benefits designed to support your business professionally, financially and operationally.
Reputation & Credibility
- Use the AFI logo to demonstrate to clients and customers that you meet recognised quality and ethical standards.
- Access discounted or accredited options under schemes like CHAS, BSI documentation, and (where applicable) TrustMark — reinforcing your professionalism and compliance credentials.
Financial & Cost-Saving Advantages
- Benefit from discounted risk-management insurance services via NFU Mutual.
- Get exclusive member-deals for essentials such as fuel (via UK Fuels), vans/vehicles (via Crusader Vans), and access free unlimited credit checks through Credit Serve — all helping reduce overheads and improve cash flow.
- Receive discounts on key industry publications and resources (e.g., the Construction Health & Safety Manual) that help keep you compliant and informed.
Training, Certification & Professional Development
- Access accredited training programmes and apprenticeships to help you stay up to date with industry best practice and enhance skills.
- Benefit from the AFI Certified Contractor Scheme (CCS) to certify your competency and reassure clients that your business meets high standards.
- Get support with acquiring or renewing necessary credentials — e.g. FISS/CSCS cards — strengthening your workforce’s compliance credentials.
Support, Guidance & Legal Safeguards
- Receive health & safety templates, risk-management tools (including access to tools like the Risk Fluent app), and professional advice to help you run a compliant, safe, and well-managed business.
- Access legal and contract support through partners such as BEB Consultancy Ltd and (for England & Wales) Wedlake Bell — valuable protection when dealing with contracts, retentions, disputes, and compliance issues.
- Free access to the Safe Digging Portal (via LineSearch Before U Dig) — a useful tool for contractors working on projects involving digging, safety, and underground services.
- Welfare and confidential support — via partner Perennial — for those who may need it, offering peace of mind that AFI membership supports more than just business
Thank you for your continued commitment to raising standards across the fencing industry.